King James Version

What Does Zechariah 2:8 Mean?

Zechariah 2:8 in the King James Version says “For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that touche... — study this verse from Zechariah chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.

Zechariah 2:8 · KJV


Context

6

Ho, ho, come forth, and flee from the land of the north, saith the LORD: for I have spread you abroad as the four winds of the heaven, saith the LORD.

7

Deliver thyself, O Zion, that dwellest with the daughter of Babylon.

8

For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.

9

For, behold, I will shake mine hand upon them, and they shall be a spoil to their servants: and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me.

10

Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's protective promise: 'For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.' The Hebrew 'nogea bakem' (he who touches you) 'nogea be-babat eyno' (touches the pupil/apple of his eye). The pupil is the eye's most sensitive, protected part—touching it provokes instant, involuntary protective reflex. This vivid metaphor describes God's fierce protectiveness toward His people: harming them is as personal an attack as poking His eye. The promise follows 'after the glory'—after God manifests His glory by judging oppressors. Though Israel suffered discipline through pagan nations, God then judges those nations for excessive cruelty (1:15). This demonstrates God's covenant loyalty: He disciplines His children but defends them against abusers.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Post-exilic context (520 BC): Jews had returned from Babylon but were weak, vulnerable, and surrounded by hostile neighbors. Zechariah reassures them of God's jealous protection. The principle applies throughout Scripture: God used Assyria and Babylon to discipline Israel/Judah, then judged those empires for brutality. Romans 11:28-29 reflects this: Israel as 'enemies' regarding the gospel yet 'beloved' regarding election. God's promises to Abraham (Genesis 12:3, 'I will bless those who bless you, and curse those who curse you') remain in force. Ultimately fulfilled in Christ protecting His church: 'he that toucheth you toucheth him' (Acts 9:4-5, Saul persecuting Christians touches Jesus).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does knowing I'm the 'apple of God's eye' shape my security and identity in Christ?
  2. Does God's fierce protection of His people make me more bold in witnessing despite opposition?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
כִּ֣י1 of 18
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

כֹ֣ה2 of 18
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַר֮3 of 18

For thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֣ה4 of 18

the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

צְבָאוֹת֒5 of 18

of hosts

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

אַחַ֣ר6 of 18

After

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

כָּב֔וֹד7 of 18

the glory

H3519

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

שְׁלָחַ֕נִי8 of 18

hath he sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֶל9 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַגּוֹיִ֖ם10 of 18

me unto the nations

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

הַשֹּׁלְלִ֣ים11 of 18

which spoiled

H7997

to drop or strip; by implication, to plunder

אֶתְכֶ֑ם12 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כִּ֚י13 of 18
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נֹגֵ֖עַ14 of 18

you for he that toucheth

H5060

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

בָּכֶ֔ם15 of 18
H0
נֹגֵ֖עַ16 of 18

you for he that toucheth

H5060

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

בְּבָבַ֥ת17 of 18

the apple

H892

something hollowed (as a gate), i.e., pupil of the eye

עֵינֽוֹ׃18 of 18

of his eye

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Zechariah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Zechariah 2:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Zechariah 2:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study